Developer wants to create 'traditional neighborhood' off 113 in Hilltown

By Theresa HegelStaff writer

Monday

Aug 26, 2013 at 12:01 AMAug 26, 2013 at 12:00 PM

A developer wants to create a traditional neighborhood-style development at Route 113 and Telegraph Road in Hilltown.

The development, a mix of homes and retail, is near tiny Silverdale and in walking distance to several existing businesses.

“This is like Hilltown’s Main Street that it would be built on,” said Rob Gundlach, attorney for developer Telegraph Investment Co. “It’s kind of like the expansion of the village in a more orderly fashion.”

In order to build what the developer has dubbed “Fonthill Court,” Hilltown would have to rezone the land from rural residential to village center, a designation that allows the “traditional neighborhood development” concept.

Hilltown passed an ordinance allowing this type of development back in 2009. The traditional neighborhood is meant to encourage a pedestrian-oriented community that is more compact, integrated and sustainable. Such developments must be at least 15 acres.

Since the ordinance’s passage, however, the township has not approved any traditional neighborhood developments.

Gundlach said his client believes that none of the land currently zoned for village center would allow for this type of development, since most of it is already built out.

“There are no big vacant tracts that have village center zoning,” Gundlach said.

The land off Route 113 is a perfect candidate for rezoning to village center, he said. It already has access to public water and sewer and is close to other businesses. It’s also near a farmers market.

Two nearby businesses — Hawkeye’s Restaurant and the Hickory Stick, an ice cream parlor that recently opened in an old one-room schoolhouse — have signed a petition in support of the zoning change, Gundlach said. Both existing businesses would benefit, since the development would allow them to tie into public water and sewer, he said.

Supervisor Barb Salvadore said she has heard from some neighbors who oppose the proposed zoning change.

“If you look at it right now, it’s an old house with fields around it,” she said. “That’s what they’re used to.”

However, she is waiting to finalize her opinion until she hears from all concerned parties at a public hearing scheduled for Sept. 18.

Theresa Hegel: 215-345-3187; email: thegel@calkins.com;

Twitter: @theresahegel.

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